Sir Michael Bichard's inquiry will examine vetting practices used

BBC correspondent Danny Shaw looks at the implications of the new guidelines.

Q. What does the government hope to achieve by issuing new guidelines?

The government has not definitely decided that it will draw up new guidance, but it seems highly likely, given that a working group is already reviewing the current arrangements.

The aim would be to make it clearer to police forces what information they can retain and for how long, to avoid any confusion in the future.

Q. By revealing these plans now, is the Home Office hoping to blunt any criticism of them that may arise from the inquiry into how Ian Huntley got his job?

The Home Office was asked to submit evidence to the Bichard Inquiry and its plans were contained in those submissions, so in one sense the Home Office is simply complying with the inquiry's procedures.

The submissions make it clear that ministers will take into account the inquiry's findings before it comes to a decision.

But the Home Office is also aware that changes are likely to be recommended so it is beginning work early, because the issues raised by the Soham murder case need to be addressed urgently.

Q. In order to enforce any new guidelines, will there be penalties for police forces who do not comply?

That is not clear yet. But the Home Office is likely to set out standards which they expect police forces to adhere to regarding inputting data about convictions and local intelligence.

There will also be measures to address poor performance by allowing the Inspectorate of Constabulary to intervene where forces are failing in this area.

Q. Apart from the police, will anyone else, such as local authorities, be able to access data held on suspects?

Data on convictions and cautions is stored on the Police National Computer, which is managed by the Police Information Technology Organisation.

Intelligence on individuals about suspected crimes is held by police forces themselves.

Details can be accessed by law enforcement organisations, such as the police and customs.

Employers who wish to find out whether their staff or people they are considering recruiting have a history of offending can access the data by applying to the Criminal Records Bureau, a government agency based in Liverpool.

There are no plans to enable anyone else to access the information directly.

Q. A national database of "allegations" is also being planned. Does this have any implications for civil liberties?

Civil liberty groups have already expressed some concern that individual police forces keep information about unproven allegations against people.

The Data Protection Act was designed to stop such information being abused.

Campaigners are likely to be very worried about the prospect of a national database, and will argue that a large "bank" of information could be misused and may lead to innocent people being linked to crimes.